Milking system and apparatus



Sept. 2. 1952 an. DuNAN Re- 23,543

' MILKING SYSTEM AND APPARATUS THREFOR Original Filed April 25. 1949 5 Sheets-Shag?. 1

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iNVENToR. GecYJPgeRDuncn /fwm o ATTORNE S Sept. 2, 1952 G. R. DUNCAN MILKING SYSTEM AND APPARATUS THEREFOR 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Original Filed April 25, 1949 vao UIMM" NVENTOR, George R Duncan A ATTORNEYS Sept. 2, 1952 G. R. DUNCANv Re- 23,543

MILKING SYSTEM AND APPARATUS THEREFOR Original Filed April 25,.1949 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 nvvENToR, George R. Duncan ""'ll my@ ing machine.

A Reuma sept. 2, losz- Mmmm srs'rmu AND maures j; 'rnnnaroa George B.. Duncan. Washington, Mo.

Grillini No. 2,498,401. dated February 21, 1950,.

Serin] No. 89,375, April 25, 1949. Application for reissue November 28, 1950, Serlll No. 198,016

26 Claims.

v Matter enclosed' in4 heavy brackets l appears in the original patent but forms no part of this reissue lpeeiileation: matter printed in italics indicates the additions made ivy reissue.

This invention relates to apparatus for milking farm animalssuch as cows in an expeditious and highly sanitary manner. An object of the invention is to provide an apparatus in which one or a plurality of cows may be simultaneously milked by mechanical milking apparatus.

A further object is to provide a refrigerator of improved construction and in which are located the milk cans in combination An additional object is to provide a milking system that includes a mechanical refrigerator having lead-ins or conduits lor supplying milk to the cans located in the refrigerator. as well with a milkas suction conduits and headers of special [especial] construction whereby the cans may be caused to be illled with milk, one after the other, in an automatic and completely sanitary manner.

A further object is to provide a system of milking cows, andan apparatus therefor, that includes a refrigerator and its cans and headers whereby a plurality oi' cows may be progressively milked as the refrigerator is moved alongside the milking barn.the filling of ons can causing the [cessation of the ilow of] milk to flow through the top portion of that can. and begin [the] iilling of the next can, and so on, until all of the cans are illled with milk, or all of the cows are milked, whichever occurs nrst.

Yet another object is to provide milk can headers of a construction which insures the automatic filling of one milk can after another in a completely automatic manner II, and the stopping of the ilow of milk after all of the cans. l have been filled with milk.

AAn additional object of the invention is tontovide in a milking system the provision of conduits leading, directly from one or more sets of teat cups to the interior o! milk cans located in the refrigerator. and the construction which includes the connection of said cans [and/or sets of teat cups] to a milking machine. together with sealing arrangements for vthe tops of the cans whereby milk coming directly from the cows is untouched by human hands and is led automatically into a plurality of cans located within a refrigerating compartment. in order that the 'cans may be progressively illled.

' 1A further object is to provide in the system described in the next preceding paragraph means lor preventing the iiow oi' milk into theeu'ction line of the milking machine. as well as means to prevent the overilowing of any one of the cans during the nlling operation.

Other objects will be found throughout-the speciilcation.

In the drawings:

hereinafter Figure 1 is a top plan view oi' a refrigerating Figure 3 is an enlarged [a] vertical sectional view of the top of a mille can and showing one emobdiment of the invention as applied to the top of a milk can.

Figure 4 is an enlarged [a] vertical sectional view of the top of a'milk can and showing a secs ond embodiment of the invention as applied to thetop of a milk can.

[Figure 5 is a side elevation of a set of test cups in position on the cow. and showing further the suction line and milk lineJ [Figure 6 is a view of the 'tube and closure therefor of the suction line with one end broken away and the opposite end shown in section, andi [Figure 'l ,is an end elevation of the closure shown in Figure 6.]

Figure 5 shows a fragmentary side elevation of a milk can and a closure therefor with parts y refrigerating unit B which latter may be of the l compression-expansion type. or it maybe of the type which is operated'by heat. The refrigerator may have a top C, the top being pivotecl to the rear vertical wall I by hinges 2. Theside walls are indicated at 3 and 4,-the front wall at 5, and

the base at t. y

There is a sub-base indicated' at l which lmay be provided with holes I whereby water that nds its way to the sub-base 'i may go through the' s holes into the space l located between the base and sub-base. -Rei'rigerant from the refrigerati#4` ing unit passing through a pipe Il to a coil il@ located between the base and sub-basevv and 'ist r una 3 l returned in a closed circuit by a pipe. not shown. totherefrlg'cratingunitB. j A

There is a controlled circulation oi water over the outside portion of the cans I2; Such circulation is caused bythe secondary circulation system which comprises a pump Il having a pipe Il which extends adjacent to the base l within the space l whereby water in said space is drawn into the pump and forced upwardly through the vertical pipe Il to the header I8. As seen in these ligures the header is provided with a'plurality of horizontally extending branch pipes I1 which are adaptedy to extend between adjacentl cansasseeninll'igureslandil. Thebranch pipes are each provided with a plurality of spaced perforations.

The temperature of the refrigerant in the coil Il is maintained by a regulating means Il so that the refrigerant passing through the coil may be at any desired temperature. The space l ordinarily filled with water and the regulating means is adjusted so that some of this water. particularly the water closely surrounding or adjacent to the coil. will become frozen. The other water not located so near the coil is taken through the inner pipe Il to the pipe il and forced upwardly to the header Il and out of the perforations of the pipe I1 as shown in Figure 2 where it is sprayed on to the sides of the milk'cans. This water. as it engages the sides of the milk cans. is usually maintained by adjustment of the regulating means il at about 33 F. so as to of sleeve 28 ol plugs 2l. 2l, 2l and 21. Attached maintain the milk in the milk cans at about 53 F. This regulating means 18 may be a thermostat for controlling the temperature of the refrigerating )luid passing through pipe ,10 andv within coil 11. This regulating means and the control 201. described hereinafter, may be so adjusted as to maintain the temperature of the water being sprayed against the cans. to thereby cool the temperature of the milk -down to the proper degree o] temperature during the filling of the cons, and during theirl storage in the container A. It will be necessary/to adjust the temperature after the cans have been completely filled in the event it is desired to store the milk so that the water then being sprayed against the cans will be at a higher temperature than when the cans are being filled with milk. This temperature is maintained fairly steady during the iilling of the milk cans. After the milk cans become full they are removed from the refrigerator A and other empty cans are moved in to take their place.

As shown in Figure 1. the refrigerator is of a size to accommodate eight milk cans. but it will be understood that any number, preferably more than 3. may be accommodated in the refrigerator. and the size of the container may be such as to accommodate as many as 4. 6, 8, 10, 12, or 14 milk cans, according to the size of the rey frigerator. The milk cans i2 are provided with special covers or headers indicated at I9. 20, 2| and 22. These covers of the rear row oi' milk cans are exactly similar to the covers of the front row as will be seen by reference to Figure l. The left'hand cover Il. as shown in Figure 2, is provided with a nipple ll to which the suction conduit Il is attached. The suction or vacuum conduit may be connected to any suitable source of minus pressure and may form part of a milking machine. Covers 2| and 22 are exactly similar to each other and are not provided with the nipple l.. Substantially centrally located in each cover Il. 2li. 2i and 22. is an aperture 2l which is adapted for the reception to each plug and forming part thereof is an extension or a sleeve 2t. y'This sleeve closely nts the peripheryof the aperture in the can top and the plug. which is of resilient material such as soft rubber. closely lits the sleeve. but only extends part way down into the sleeve. as indicated in the broken away showing of the third can from the left in Figure 2. [The sleeve may be dispensed with and the plug be formed with an integral skirt (not shown). or the extension may be integral with the can top or cover.- In other words, referring to. Figure 4. the sleeve Il may be dispensed with. but the extension Il may be continued down to any point so as to take theplace of the sleeve 86.]

' Each plug is provided with a plurality of passages 2l and lll for the reception of pipes Il and 32. 'I'he passageway 2l of each can shown at the left of the drawing is closed by` a rubber or other plastic plug Il, and the can of each row located farthest to the right is provided with a milk conduit 3l. Each of these conduits [pipes]. as indicated in Figure l. leads directly to a set of teat cups.. as indicated by numeral in Figure 6 harem. The suction conduits 4| extend through the back of the refrigerator and. as stated above. are connected to the suction line of a milking machine.. i

When suction is applied to the lines 4I, milk from a cow enters through plug 21 of the rightmost can. After this can becomes ililed [to the neck portion thereof or] up to the lower end of the plug 26. [sleeve 2l, no more milk flows into the can. but] the milk then flows from pipe 32 via sleeve 28 through [upwardly through] pipe 31 [32]. connector 4I and down pipe 32 [Il] through plug 2l until the second can becomes full to about the point indicated in Figure 2. whereupon the ow of milk reverses its direction and flows upward against gravity through pipe 31 [32] through connectnr and downwardly 'through pipe 32 [3l] into the third can. After this can becomes filled to the extent shown by the second can. in other words. to the lower end of the plug 26 [sleeve 28]. the milk does not ilow downwardly into the can much beyond the base of the plug. but reverses itself and ilows upwardly through pipe 31 [32], connector Il and downwardly through pipe 31 until the next can is illled. [32 until the. leftmost can is nearly full of milk. Each suction pipe 4i may be provided with the valve means, not shown. for breaking the partial vacuum in the suction lines when the last can has become filled, and a sight glass positioned in the pipe Il, not shown. may be used so that it can be observed when any milk is flowing through either pipe Il in order that :the suction may be discontinued at this time.

The structure shown in Figure 3 is similar to the covers or headers [that] shown in Figures l'and 2 and consists of a cover or header Bil provided with a'rubber or other sealing gasket li. preferably T-shaped in cross sectionl as indicated. The gasket is adapted to seal the cover on the upper periphery of an ordinary milk can Preferably. the center portion of the cover is provided with an aperture Il for the reception of a rubber or other exible gasket il' which seats the plug Il. The plug is preferably also of flexible material such as soft rubber and itis' provided with two longitudinally extending channels l1 and I8 which extend out of'the v s lower end thereof as indicated in dotted lines. The-upper ends of the channels are provided with pipes l and it which form a gastight nt with the channels l1 and Il. and these pipes other asseenin Figures 1 and 2. mother words,

thecanatoneendcfthelinewiilbeconneoted to the suction pipe of` a milking machine and thecanattheotherendwillbeconnectedtoa milking apparatus such as a set of teat cups whereby milk may ilow directly from the cow the can.

The modiilcation shown in Figure 4 has a cover or header 1I having a lower circularl flange 18 and an upwardly extending centrally located circular ilange 11. The periphery of the cover is adapted to engage a circular sealing ring 18 which is provided with a groove 19 that seats on the bead I of the milk can 8|. 'Ihe upwardly extending iiange 11 has seated on it a washer 82 which seats a header Il having a lower circular ilange 8l which extends over the washer and partially embraces the upwardly extending ange 11.

'I'here is a centrally downwardLv extending neck portion 85 which extends preferably centrally from the top 15. This neck serves to hold in friction-tight engagement a sleeve Il whose lower end 81 may extend slightly below the neck portions 81 [88] of the can and its upper end l! may be in abutting engagement with the washer 82. The pipe header Il is provided with oppositely extending passages Il and 90. These es are sealed oi! from each other by a T Il which seats in an aperture 92 of the header on a washer l2 and has an extension 9| which extends entirely across passageways 8l and IU. and diametrically across the inner cylindrical surface si of the sleeve. The T 0| and especially its extension 9| is constructed of flexible rubber or a synthetic rubber composition and it is frictionally engaged at the inner cylindrical surface IS of the sleeve 8B and forms a tight llt thereby dividing the upper portion of the sleeve into two passageways. It will be noted that the extension M terminates considerably short of the lower end of the sleeve 8S.

A special advantage4 in using the construction y shown in Figure 4 is that the parts may be quickly detached from each other. that is. the T 2| may be removed from the sleeve 8B and from the header B3. The header l2 may also bevremoved from the cover 15 and the several washers may be also removed and replaced where necessary. All of the parts can be completely sanitized by washing when the occasion demands.

The suction line Il and milk line ll such as shown in Figures l and 2. may be connected directly to the suction line v1.21 [|22] and mill: line 120 [|2I] of the structure shown in Figure 6. In this ligure the teat cups are indicated at |22 and they are connected directly tothe milk line 120 [|2I] and to the suction line 121 [|201 The [suction] milk line is provided with an ex- 6 y tension |21. details of which are shown in Figures 7 ands. One end of the extension is connected to the [suction] milk line as shown and the other end is provided with threads |24 for the attachment of a plug. |25 whose interior is provided with threads |26 whereby the plug may be threaded on the end of the extension. 'I'he plug is provided with an aperture |21 and when the plug is screwed on to the end of the extension. there is a washer |28 which is clampingly engaged in position so that its aperture |22 will be in alignment with of the plug.

This arrangement permits the entry of air into the milk [suction] line and tends to greatly accelerate the speed of the milk as it flows into 'a the aperture |21 can and from one can to another. It will be appreciated that the amount of `air which is permitted to enter the extension |22 and through the [suction] milk line. depends upon the size of the aperture |29 of the washer. It is intended that the aperture |11 of the plug be of the same size or preferably larger than the size of the aperture |29 and it is also intended to use washers having diiferent sized apertures |28 to thereby adjust or regulate the amount of air which is v permitted to enter the milk [suction] line, and to thereby control the speed of the milk from one can to the other during the filling operation.

The present invention is a continuation-inpart of my application SerialNo. 676,368 led vJune 13, 1946, now Patent Number 2,470,979,

granted May 24. i949.

While the present system including covers or headsets is particularly adapted for use in a mechanical refrigerator. it is to be distinctly understood that the system does not, in its broadest definition, include a refrigerator, but includes a plurality of cans and the connections from the suction and milk lines to said cans. as well as the connections from one to another of said cans.

'Ihe gasket it. as seen in Figure 3, is of T-shape in cross-section. However, after suction has been applied to the interior of the can. said gasket may be deformed, because of its rubber-like material E, to the shape shown at 18 in Figure 4E.

The refrigerator B is provided with control means 200 and pipe [4|] 15 is provided with a control 206. The purpose of these controls is to regulate the temperature within the cabinet and the temperature of the milk. so that it is maintained at a given temperature. The temperature above the sub-base [can stand] 1 is held at one temperature and the temperature below the sub-base [can stand] is held at another temperature. These controls are thermostatic controls.

[It will be understood that the sleeve 6 l, shown in Figure 3. and the sleeve 86, shown in Figure 4, may be omitted, for, while these sleeves have been found to be of advantage. they are not required under all conditions. but are preferably used when a large number of cans are connected together Conduitmeans in the claims includes the clude the vacuum conduit to the teat cups. the

milk conduit or conduits from the source of milk. such as the teat cups, and leading to one or more of the cans, the conduits leading into the several cans and provided with openings located sans closely adjacent to each other, and the conduits connecting the interiors of the cans to each other. For instance. in Figure 2, "conduit means" in the claims includes (from left to right in this figure). parts li. il, It, Il. Il. 3|, 2l, 32, Il. 3|, 30, Il. 43, tl, Il and 34. Parts lll! and IIll of Figure 6 may also be included by this term. In other figures corresponding parts are included.

It will be understood that the mechanical refrigerating and cooling means comprises the flow structure, the same being an illustration of one of the forms which this invention may take, namely, the structure shown in Figure 2 including the mechanical refrigerator A and its control means 18 and 201, the coil 11 and the inner pipe 14, pump 13, header 16, and the ings are to be considered as illustrative rather than restrictive.

I claim:

1. In a system for simultaneously milking a domestic farm animal and. for cooling and storing the milk in cans. without handling, as it 'comes from the animal comprising a container having av cooling chamber provided with supporting means for supporting a plurality of cans in said chamber in upright position, a plurality of milk cans having covers, [a milking machine having] a milk conduit, a vacuum conduit; conduit means including said conduits first named for connecting said interiors of said milk cans through the covers thereof and connecting the interiors oi' said cans in series to each other. said conduit means extending into the interior of each can and having openings located closely adjacent to each other, and means defining a restricted chamber extending below said openings, said chamber having at least one opening located below said pair oi' openings. said opening located below said pair of openings being of larger size than either of the openings of said pair of openings, said conduit means `extending into said container, and controllable mechanical refrigerating and dissipating [cooling] means operatively connected to said container including means for circulating cooling water within said cooling chamber for continuously cooling the milk in said cans and removing body heat therefrom following the milking operation and for maintaining a substantially predetermined temperature of the milk in said cans within said container.

2. In a system for simultaneously milking a domestic farm animal and for cooling and. storing the milk in cans, without handling, as it comes from the animal comprising a container having a cooling chamber provided with supporting means for supporting a plurality of cans in said chamber in upright position, a plurality of milk cans having covers, [a milking machine having] a milk conduit, a vacuum conduit, conduit means including said conduits nrst named for connecting said interiors of said milk n84-v1| ings, said chamber having at least one openthrough the covers thereof and connecting the interiors of said cans in series to each other.

said conduit means extending into the interior ing of larger size than either of the openings of said pair of openings. said conduit means extending into said container, and controllable mechanical refrigerating and dissipating [cooling] means operatively connected to said container including means for circulating cooling water within said cooling chamber for continuously spraying water over the sides of the cans and cooling the milk in said cans and removing body heat therefrom following the milking operation and for maintaining a substantially predetermined temperature of the milk in said cans within said container.

3. In a system for simultaneously milking a domestic farm animal and for cooling and storing the milk in cans, without handling, as it comes from the animal comprising a container having a cooling chamber provided with supporting means for supporting a plurality of cans in said chamber in upright position, a plurality of milk cans having covers, [a milking machine having] a milk conduit, a vacuum conduit, conduit means including said conduits first named for connecting said interiors of said milk can through the covers thereof and connecting the interiors of said cans in series to each other, said conduit means extending into the interior of each can and having openings located closely adjacent to each other, and means defining a restricted chamber extending below said openings, said chamber having at least one opening located below said pair of openings, said opening located below said pair of openings being of larger size than either of the openings of said pair of openings. said conduit means, extendlng into said container, and controllable mechanical refrigerating and dissipating [cooling] means operatively connected to said container including means for circulating cooling water within said cooling chamber for continuously cooling the milk in said cans and removing body heat therefrom following the milking operation and for maintaining a substantially predetermined temperature of the milk in said cans within said container, said controllable mechanical refrigerating and cooling means including a refrigeratlng unit mounted on said container and having a coil extending into the interior of saidcontainer.

4. In a system for simultaneously milking a domestic animal and for cooling and storing the milk in cans, without handling, as it comes from the animal comprising a container having a cooling chamber provided with supporting means for supporting a plurality of cans in said chamber in upright position, a plurality of milk cans having covers. [a milking machine having] a milk conduit. a vacuum conduit. conduit means including said conduits rst named for connecting said interiors of said milk cans through the covers thereof and connecting the interiors of said cans in series to each other. said conduit means extending into the interior of each can and having openings located closely adjacent to each other. and means dening a restricted chamber extending below said open- 9 ing located below said pair of openings. said opening located below said pair of openings being of larger size than either of the openings of said pair of openings. said conduit means extending into said container. and controllable mechanical refrigerating and dissipating [cooling] means operatively connected to said container including means for circulating cooling water within said cooling chamber for continuously cooling the milk in said cans and removing body heat therefrom following the milking operation and for maintaining a substantially predetermined temperature of the milk in said cans within said container. said mechanical refrigerating and cooling means further including a spray system located in said container having spray pipes for spraying water on said cans, a sub-base for supporting said cans thereon and a space beneath said sub-base forming a water reservoir for containing water sprayed on said cans by said spray system.

5. In a system for simultaneously milking a domestic farm animal and for cooling and storing the milk in cans, without handling, as it comes from the animal comprising a container having la cooling chamber provided with. supporting means for supporting a plurality of cans in said chamber in upright position, a plurality of milk cans having covers. [a milking machine having] l'a milk conduit. a vacuum conduit. conduit means including said conduits .first named for connecting said interiors of said milk cans through the covers thereof and connecting the interiors of said cans in sexies to each other, said conduit means extending into the interior of each can and having openings located closely adjacent to each other, and means defining a restricted chamber extending below said openings. said chamberlhaving at least one opening located below said pair of openings, the eective cross sectional area of the opening of said means last named being greater than the cross sectional area ofl either of said pair of openings, said conduit means extending into said container, and controllable mechanical refrlgerating and dissipating [cooling] means operatively connected to said container including means for circulating l milk in said cans within said container.

6. l'n a system forsimultaneously milking a domestic farm animal and for lling a plurality milk cans, in combination, a plurality of milk having covers, [a milking machine hav- 3 a milk conduit, a vacuum conduit. conduit means named for connecting said interiors of said A including said conduits first lk cans through the covers thereof and conecting the interiors of said cans in series to each other, said conduit means extending into the interior of each can and having openings located closely adjacent to each other, and means defining a. restricted chamber extending below said openings. said chamber having at least one opening located below said pair of openings, said opening located below said pair of openings being of larger size than either of the openings of said pair of openings.

duit means including said conduits ilrst named for connecting said interiors of said milk cans through the covers thereof andconnecting the interiors of said cans in series to each other. said conduit means extending into the interior of each can and having openings located closely adjacent to each other. and means dening a restricted chamber extending below said openings. said chamber having at least one opening located below said pair of openings. the effective cross sectional area of the opening of said means last named being greater than the cross sectional area of either of said pair of openings.

8. In a system for simultaneously milking a domestic farm animal and for nlling a plurality of milk cans, in combination. a plurality of milk cans having covers, [a milking machine having] a milk conduit, a vacuum conduit, conduit means including said conduits first named for connecting said interiors of said milk cans through the covers thereof and connecting the interiors of said cans in series to each other. said conduit means extending into the interior vof each can and having openings located closely adjacent to each other, and means defining a restrictedchamber enclosing that portion of said conduit means extending vinto the interior of each can, said restricted chamber extending below said openings, said last named means hav' interiors of said cans in series to each other,

' cooling water within said cooling chamber for '7. In a system for simultaneously milking a domestic farm animal and for filling a plurality of milk cans, iny combination, va plurality of milk cans having covers, [a milking machine having] a 'milk conduit. a vacuum conduit, consaid conduit means extending into the interior of each can and having openings located closely adjacent to each other, and means comprising a sleeve defining a restricted chamber enclosing that portion of said conduit means extendinginto the interior of each can, said restricted chamber extending below said openings, said last named means having at least one opening located below said pair of openings, said opening located below said pair of openings being of larger size ichan either of the openings of said pair of openngs.

10. In a system for simultaneously milking a domestic farm animal and for filling a plurality of milk cans, in combination, a plurality of milk cans having covers, [a milking machine having] a milk conduit, a vacuum conduit, conduit means including said conduits first-named for connecting said interiors of said milk cans through the covers thereof and connecting the interiors of said milk cans in series to each other, said conduit.

means extending into the interior of each can and including a pipe header having a sleeve extending downwardly into theinterlor of each can and means defining openings in said sleeve located closely: adjacent to each other, said sleeve extending below said openings, said sleeve having an opening-located below said pair of openings, said opening located below said pair of openings being of larger size'than either of the openings of said pair of openings.

11. In a system for simultaneously milking a domestic farm animal and for filling a plurality oi' milk cans. in combination, a plurality of milk sans '11 cans having covers. [a milking machine having] a milk conduit. a vacuum conduit. conduit means including said conduits nrst named for connecting said interiors of said milk cans through the covers thereof and connecting the" interiors of said cans in series toeach other. said conduit means extending into the interior oi' each can and including a pipe header having a sleeve extending downwardly into the interior ofeachcanandmeansdenningopeningsinsaid sleeve located closely adjacent to each other. said sleeve extending below said openings. said sleeve having an opening located below said pair of openings. said opening located below said pair of openings being of larger size than either of the openings'of said pair of openings. said means defining said pair of openings comprising a 1' having horizontal portions which are supported by said header. -and the vertical portion i of said T forming a partition within said sleeve.

i2. In a system for simultaneously milking a domestic farm animal and for nlling a plurality of milk cana-in combination, a plurality of milk cans having covers. [a milking machine having] a milk conduit. a vacuum conduit. conduit means including said conduits ilrst named for connecting said interiors of said milk cans through the covers thereof and connecting the interiors of said cans in series to each other. said conduit means including a pair of pipes extending into the interior of each can and having openings located closely adjacent to each other. and means defining a restricted chamber extending below said openings. said chamber having at least one opening located below said pair of openings. said opening located below said pair of openings. being of larger size than either of the openings of said pair oi' openings.

13. In a system for simultaneously milking a domestic farm animal and for filling a plurality of milk cans, in combination. a plurality of milk cans having covers. [a milking machine having] a milk conduit, a vacuum conduit, conduit means including said conduits ilrst named for connecting 'said interiors of said milk cans through the covers thereof and connecting the interiors of said cans in series to each other. said conduit means including a pair of pipes extending into the interior oi each can and having openings closely adjacent to each other, and a sleeve defining a restricted chamber extending below said openings and closely surrounding said pair of pipes. said sleeve having at least one opening located below said pipe openings. said sleeve opening being of larger diameter than either of the diameters of the openings of said pair of openings.

14. In a system for simultaneously milking a domestic farm animal and for filling a plurality of milk cans, in combination. a plurality of milk cans having covers. [a milking machine having] a milk conduit.. a vacuum conduit, conduit means including said conduits first named for connecting said interiors of said milk cans through the covers thereof and connecting the interiors of said cans in series to each other.

said conduit means including a header consistingof a vertical sleeve and inlet and outlet passageway means connected with said vertical sleeve, said vertical sleeve extending into the interior of a can and an extension within said vertical sleeve which extends completely across the same for a portion of its vertical length to provide a pair of openings. said sleeve having [a] an opening located below said pair of openings. said sleeve opening being of larger di- 15. A sys'tem'for simultaneously milking a domestic farm animal und storing the milk.

without handling, in cans as it comes the animal comprising u refrigerator having'd. cooling chamber provided with supporting means for holding a plurality of milk cons in an upright position'. a flrstconduit means adapted for connection to a source of minus pressure. d second conduit means having tent cups for connection to the tents of the animols udder. u plurality of covers for permitting o minus pressure during the milking operation. means' connecting said conduit means to said covers and said covers to euch other whereby minus pressure may be applied to said teat cups lthrough said first conduit means, said covers and, said second conduit means. and controllable mechanical refrigerating and dissipating means operctively connected to said refrigerutorincluding means for circulating cooling water within said cooling chamber for continuously cooling the exterior surfaces of cans in said refrigerator and removing body heut from the milk in said cans during the milking operation and maintaining a predetermined temperature vin said refrigerator.

16. A system for simultaneously milking a domestic farm animal and storing the milk. without handing. in cans as it comes from the animal comprising a refrigerator having a cooling chamber provided with supporting means for holding a plurality of milk cans in an upright position. a first conduit means adapted for connection to a source of minus pressure, a second conduit means having teat cups for connection to the tents of the animals adder. a plurality of covers for permitting a minus pressure during the milking operation. means cnnecting said conduit means to said covers and said cover-sto euch other whereby minus pressure may be applied to said teat cups through said first conduit means. said covers and said second conduit means, und controllable mechanical refrigerating and dissipating means operatively connected to'said refrigerator for continuously cooling the exterior surfaces of cans in said refrigerator and removing body heat from the milk in said cans during the milking operation and maintaining u predetermined temperature in said refrigerator. said refrigerating and dissipating means including means for causing a substantially continuous flow of a cooling fluid medium within said refrigerator.

17. A system for simultaneously milking a domestic farm animal and storing the milk,

. without handling. in cans as it comes from the animal comprising d refrigerator having d coolv ing chamber provided with supporting means for holding a plurality of milk cans in an upright position, a first conduit means adapted for connection to a source of minus pressure, a second conduit means having teat cups for connection to the teats of the dnimals udder, a plurality of covers for permitting u minus pressure during the milking operation. means connecting said conduit means to said covers and said covers to each other whereby minus pressure may be applied to said teat cups through saidV first conduit means. said covers and said second conduit means, and controllable mechanicul refrigerating and dissipating means operatively connected to said refrigerator'for continuously cooling the milk and removingy body heat from the milk during the milking operation and maintaining Au: 'predetermined temperature in said refrigerator, said refrigerating and dissipatingmeans including means for causing a flow of a cooling fluid medium within said refrigerator.

18. A system for simultaneously milking a domestic farm animal and storing the milk,

-without handling, in cans as it comes from the animal comprising a refrigerator having a cooling chamber provided with supporting means for holding a plurality of milk cans in an upright position, a first conduit means adapted for connection to a source of minus pressure, a second conduit means having teat cups for connection to the teats of the animal's udder,

a plurality of covers for permitting a minus pressure during the milking operation, means connecting said conduit means to said covers and said covers to each other whereby minus pressure may be applied to said teat cups through said first conduit means, said covers and said second conduit means, and controllable.

mechanical refrigerting and dissipating means operatively connected to said refrigerator including means for circulating cooling water within said cooling chamber for continuously cooling the interior of said refrigerator and removing body heat from the milk during the milking operation and maintaining a predetermined temperature in said refrigerator, said conduit means further including conduits having open ends extending into said covers.

19. In a system for simultaneously milking aV domestic farm animal and for cooling and storing the milk in cans without handling, as it comes from the animal, comprising a container having a cooling chamber provided with supporting means for supporting a plurality of cans in said chamber in upright position, a plurality of milk cans in said container, a plurality of closures for the milk cans in said container, a milk conduit, a vacuum conduit, conduit means including said conduits first named for connecting said' interiors of milk cans when in said container, through the closure means thereof and connecting the interiors of said cans in series to each other, said conduit means extending into the interior of each of the cans when in said' container and having openings located below the closure means of each can and for permitting a minus presure in the can during the milking operation, whereby minus pressure may be applied to said teat cups through said conduit means and to the interior of said cans, and controllable mechanical refrigerating and dissipating means operatively connected to said container including means for circulating cooling water within said cooling chamber for continuously cooling the milk in said cans and removing body heat therefrom during the milking operation and maintaining a predetermined temperature in said container.

20. In a system for simultaneously milking a domestic farm animal and for cooling and storing the milk in cans without handling, as it comes from the animal,'comprising a container having a cooling chamber provided with supporting means for supporting a plurality of cans in said chamber in upright position, a plurality of milk cans in said container, a plurality of closures for the milk cans in said container, a milk conduit, a vacuum conduit, conduit means including said conduits first named for connecting said interiors of milk cans when in said container, through the closure means thereof and connecting the interiors of said cans in series `milk conduit, a vacuum conduit,

14 to each other, said conduit means extending' into the interior of each of the cans when in said container and having openings located below the closure means of each can and for permitting a lminus pressure in the can during the milking operation, whereby minus pressure may be applied to said teat cups through said conduit means and to the interior of said cans, and controllable mechanical refrigerating and dissipating means operatively connected to said container for continuously cooling the milk in said cans and removingbody heat therefrom during the milking operation and maintaining a predetermined temperature in said container, said dissipating means including spray pipe means located in position for spraying a cooling fluid on said cans.

21. A system for simultaneously milking a domestic farm animal and for cooling and storing the milk in cans without handling, as it comes from the animal, comprising a container having a cooling chamber provided with supporting means'for supporting a plurality of cans in said chamber in upright position, a plurality of milk cans in said container, a plurality of closures for the milk cans in said container, a'

milk conduit, a vacuum conduit, conduit means including said .conduit flrst named for connecting the interiors of the milk cans when in said container through the closure means thereof and connecting the interiors of said cans in series to each other, said conduit means extending into thefinterior of each can and having openings beneath said closure means of each can, and controllable mechanical refrigerating and dissipating means operatively connected to said container for continuously cooling the milk in said cans and removing body heat therefrom during the milking operation and maintaining a predetermined temperature in said container, said refrigerating and dissipating means including means for causing a substantially continuous flow of a cooling fluid medium against the outside surfaces of said cans when in said container.

22. A system for simultaneously milking a domestic farm animal and for cooling and storing the milk in cans without handling, as it comes from the animal, comprising a container having a cooling chamber provided with supporting means for supporting a plurality of cans in said chamber in upright position, a plurality of milkcans in said container, a plurality of closures for the milk cans in said container, a aconduit means including said conduit first named for connecting the interiors of the milks cans when in said container through the closure means thereof and connecting the interiors of said cans in series to each other, said conduit means extending into the interior of each can and having openings located beneath said closure means of each can, and controllable mechanical refrigerating and dissipating means operatively connected to said container for continuously cooling the milk in said cans and removing body heat therefrom during the milking operation and maintaining a predetermined temperature in said container, said refrigeratingand dissipating means including means for causing a substantially continuous now of a cooling fluid medium/against the outside surfaces of said cans when in said container, said dissipating means including spray pipe means located in position for spraying a cooling fluid on said cans.

23. In a system for simultaneously milking a domestic farm animal and for cooling and storing the milk in cans without handling, as it comes from the animal, comprising a refrigerator having a cooling chamber provided with supporting means for supporting a plurality of cans in upright position and for cooling milk in cans located therein, a plurality of milk cans in said refrigerator.` a plurality of closures for the milk cans in said refrigerator. a milk conduit, a vacuum conduit. conduit means including said conduits nrst named for connecting said interiors of milk cans when in said refrigerator, through the closure means thereof and connecting the interiors of said cans in series to each other, said conduit means extending into the interior of each of the cans when in said refrigerator and having openings located below the closure means of each can and for permitting a minus pressure in the can during the milking operation, whereby minus pressure may be applied to said teat cups through said conduit means and f to the interior of said cans, and controllable mechanical refrigerator and dissipating means operatively connected to said refrigerator including means for circulating cooling .water within said cooling chamber for continuously cooling the milk in said cans and removing body heat therefrom during the milking operation and maintaining a predetermined temperature in said refrigerator.

24. A system for simultaneously milking a domestic farm animal and for cooling and storing the milk in cans without handling, as it comes from the animal. comprising a refrigerator having a cooling chamber provided with supporting means/for supporting a plurality of cans in upright position and for cooling milk in cans located therein, a plurality of milk cans in said refrigerator, a plurality of closures for the milk cans in said refrigerator, a milk conduit, a vacuum conduit, conduit means including said conduit first named for connecting the. interiors of the milk cans when in said refrigerator through the closure means thereof and connecting the interiors of said cans in series to each other, said conduit means. extending into the interior of each can and having openings located beneath said closure means of each can, and controllable mechanical refrigerating and dissipating means operatively connected to said refrigerator for continuously cooling the milk 'in said cans and removing body heat therefrom during the milking operation and maintaining a predetermined temperature in said refrigerator, said refrigerating and dissipating means including means for causing a substantially continuous flow of a cooling fluid medium against the outside surfaces of said cans when in said refrigerator.

25. A milk loading system for cooling and storing milk in a can directly as it comes from the animal during the milking operation, which comprises a refrigerator body, said body including a refrigerator compartment adapted to accommodate a plurality of milk cans in an upright position, a milking machine' including a first conduit means adapted for connection to a source o5 of vacuum and a second conduit means connected to a milking apparatus including teat cups for connection to the teats of the animal's udder, closure means adapted to hermetically seal the open end of such cans and for permitting a vacuum therein during the milking operation, each of said conduit means being in communication with the interior of such cans through said closure means, whereby vacuum may be applied to said milking apparatus through said first conduit-means, such can interiors and said second conduit means, and means for operatively connecting refrigerating means to said compartment whereby milk is continuously cooled to remove body heat therefrom during the milking operation. i

26. A system for simultaneously milking a domestic farm animal and storing the milk, without handling, in cans as it comes from the animal comprising a refrigerator having a cooling chamber provided with supporting means for holding a plurality of milk cans in an upright position, a first conduit means adapted for connection to a source of minus pressure, a second conduit means having teat cups for connection to the teats of the animal's udder, a plurality of covers for permitting a minus pressure during the milking operation, means connecting said conduit means to said covers and said covers to leach other whereby minus pressure may be applied to said teat cups through saidfirst conduit means, said covers and said second conduit GEORGE R. DUNCAN.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the le of this patent or the original patent:

l UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 594,860 Cushman Dec. 7, 189'? 719,443 Devore Feb. 3, 1903 812.942 Good Feb. 20, 1906 1,825,645 Martin, Jr Sept. 29, 1931 2,006,393 Hapgood July 2, 1935 2,037,467 Hapgood Apr. 14, 1936 2.425.519 Duncan Aug. 12, 194'? 2,509,214 Cordis May 30, 1950 2,603,396 Redn -1 July 15. 1952 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 4,461 l Great Britain Oct. 8, 1894 421,112 Great Britain 1934V 109,993 Australia Mar. 14, 1940 OTHER REFERENCES malDI. Zeitschrift 20 Jahrgang, Heft 3, March VDI. Zeitschrift Bd. 84 Nr. 29. July 20, 1940. 

